Majority
p. 964The People of the State of New York, Respondent, v Joseph Harper, Appellant. [910 NYS2d 672]
—Appeal by the defendant from a judgment of the Supreme Court, Queens County (Lewis, J.), rendered April 14, 2008, convicting him of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, after a nonjury trial, and imposing sentence.
Ordered that the judgment is affirmed.
In fulfilling our responsibility to conduct an independent review of the weight of the evidence (see CPL 470.15 [5]; People v Danielson, 9 NY3d 342 [2007]), we nevertheless accord great deference to the factfinder’s opportunity to view the witnesses, hear the testimony, and observe demeanor (see People v Mateo, 2 NY3d 383 , 410 [2004], cert denied 542 US 946 [2004]; People v
p. 965
Bleakley, 69 NY2d 490 , 495 [1987]). Upon reviewing the record here, we are satisfied that the verdict of guilt was not against the weight of the evidence (see People v Romero, 7 NY3d 633 [2006]). Skelos, J.P., Fisher, Santucci and Leventhal, JJ., concur.
Cases cited
- People v. Danielson 9 NY3d 342 p. 964
- Middleton v. McNeil 542 US 946 p. 964
- People v. Bleakley 69 NY2d 490 at 495 p. 965
- People v. Romero 7 NY3d 633 p. 965